TECH STUDIO

LONG SPAN STRUCTURES

REPORT

PRASHANT JOTIRAM JADHAV

5TH YR. B.ARCH.
ROLL NO. - 18
PILLAI HOC COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
 LONG SPAN STRUCTURES

INTRODUCTION:
Definition of long span building: Buildings that create unobstructed, column-free spaces
greater than 30 m (100 feet) for a variety of functions / activities. For Such structures span is
unable to be achieved with ordinary R.C.C. construction. Generally long spans result in
flexible, column-free internal spaces, reduces substructure costs and time to erect the
structure.
Examples of relevant activities:
•where visibility is important: i.e. auditoriums and covered stadiums.
•where flexibility is important: i.e. exhibition halls and certain type of manufacturing
facilities,
•where large movable objects are housed: i.e. aircraft hangars.
COMMON STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS FOR LONG SPAN STRUCTURES:
Long span Beams
Long span Trusses
Long span Roof structures
• Tensile structures
• Folded Plates
• Shell structures
• Portal Frames

LONG SPAN BEAMS:

The use of long span beams results in a range of benefits, including flexible, column-free
internal spaces, reduced foundation costs, and reduced steel erection times. Many long
span solutions are also well adapted to facilitate the integration of services without
increasing the overall floor depth. Types of Long Span Beams.
• Parallel Beam Approach
• Composite Beams with Web Openings
• Tapered Girders
• Haunched Composite Beams
Parallel beam approach:
The parallel beam approach is effective for spans up to around 20 m. Floor grids comprise
two layers of fully continuous beams running in orthogonal directions. Services running in
either direction can be integrated within these two layers, so that services passing in any
direction can be accommodated within the structural floor depth. A further benefit is that,
being fully continuous, the depth of the beams themselves is reduced without incurring the
expense and complexity of rigid, full strength connections.

Composite Beams with Web Openings:

Web openings are typically formed in beams to allow services to pass through the beam.
This enables the structural and service zones to occupy the same space, thereby reducing
the effective overall depth of floor construction for a given spanning capability. Openings
may also be formed for aesthetic reasons, for instance with cambered beams used to
support a roof. Composite beams with web openings have been shown to be a cost effective
solution for spans in the range 15-30m.
TAPERED GIRDERS:
Tapered girders can be a cost effective solution in the span range 15 m to 25 m. They are
another solution that allows services to be accommodated within the structural floor zone.
The depth of the girder increases towards mid-span, where applied moments are greatest,
and thereby facilitating hanging services under the shallower regions near the beam
supports. It is also possible to form web openings in tapered girders in regions of low shear,
towards mid-span. These provide more options for service integration.

Haunched composite beams:

Haunches may be added at the ends of a composite beam to provide moment continuity.
The stiffness and strength of the connections mean that the rest of the span can be
shallower (the bending moment diagram is 'lifted' and the effective stiffness of the beam
substantially increased), and services passed under it. In buildings where the services are
likely to need frequent replacement (for example in hospitals), hanging the services under
the beams rather than passing them through holes in the webs, or through a truss, can be
advantageous. Spans in excess of 20-30 m can readily be achieved.
LONG SPAN TRUSSES:
A truss is essentially a triangulated system of straight interconnected structural elements.
Trusses are frame works in which the members are subjected to essentially axial forces due
to externally applied load. Bending leads to compression in the top chords (or horizontal
members), tension in the bottom chords, and either tension or compression in the vertical
and diagonal members. The most common use of trusses is in buildings, where support to
roofs, the floors and internal loading such as services and suspended ceilings, are readily
provided.
The main reasons for using trusses are:
• Long span • Lightweight • Reduced deflection (compared to plain members)

• Opportunity to support considerable loads.

Types of Long Span Trusses:
• Pratt Truss
• Warren Truss
• North Light Truss
• Fink Truss
Pratt Truss:
Pratt trusses are commonly used in long span buildings ranging from 20 to 75 m in span. In a
conventional Pratt truss, diagonal members are in tension for gravity loads. This type of
truss is used where gravity loads are predominant. An alternative Pratt truss is shown where
the diagonal members are in tension for uplift loads. This type of truss is used where uplift
loads are predominant, which may be the case in open buildings such as aircraft hanger.
It is possible to add secondary members to:
•Create intermediate support points for applied loads
•Limit the buckling length of members in compression.
Warren Truss:
In this type of truss, diagonal members are alternatively in tension and in compression. The
Warren truss has equal length compression and tension web members, and fewer members
than a Pratt truss. A modified Warren truss may be adopted where additional members are
introduced to provide a node at (for example) purlin locations. Warren trusses are
commonly used in long span buildings ranging from 20 to 100 m in span. This type of truss is
also used for the horizontal truss of gantry/crane girders.

BLUE – TENSION, RED – COMPRESSION.

North Light Truss:

North light trusses are traditionally used for short spans in industrial workshop-type
buildings. They allow maximum benefit to be gained from natural lighting by the use of
glazing on the steeper pitch which generally faces north or north-east to reduce solar gain.
On the steeper sloping portion of the truss, it is typical to have a truss running
perpendicular to the plane of the North Light truss, to provide large column-free spaces.
Fink truss:
The Fink truss offers economy in terms of steel weight for short-span high-pitched roofs as
the members are subdivided into shorter elements. There are many ways of arranging and
subdividing the chords and internal members. This type of truss is commonly used to
construct roofs in houses.